Packing for your Trip

You should pack carefully for your stay on the island. It may help to imagine that you are traveling by airplane… it will be easier for you if your luggage is contained and manageable. We recommend wheeled luggage, coolers, and large rubbermaid totes.

In terms of clothing, you won’t need much for your stay: in the summer, swimsuits and casual clothes are pretty much the order of the day. You may want long sleeved shirts and a hat to ward off the sun. If it is cold on the mainland, count on it being MUCH colder on the island– the ocean holds damp cold longer into the spring, and I have been known to wear long johns in April. (also swimsuits in April– spring is finicky!). If you plan to stand around a lot fishing, you may want closed-toed shoes– we have fire ants here. If you want to go barefoot to the beach, we recommend at least bringing a pair of flip flops in the golf cart in case you have to walk somewhere.

Food:
Because of the logistical challenge of getting things here, you will find that most houses have some basic condiments like sugar, salt, olive oil, etc. IF it is obviously available, you can use it. If you use it up, please replace it or let us know. The more you can prepare your food ahead of time (casseroles, cookie mixes or frozen dough, etc.) the less you have to deal with compost, garbage, fuss, etc.

Paper/Cleaning products:
We will work hard to have the home clean and ready before you arrive. Each trash can will have a bag or liner, there will be some paper towels and kleenex, and enough toilet tissue to have a roll in each bathroom. (We encourage you to use toilet tissue sparingly because of the impact on our waste disposal systems.) Only you know the exact number of people coming with you and their preference for amounts of tissue– if you will need more than that, please bring it with you. Each home will have cleaning rags as well as paper towels– please use them when it makes sense. A new sponge, dish soap and laundry detergent are provided. There is likely to be some set of foil, wraps, and plastic bags… feel free to use or add to the supply.

Packing list:
clothes and toiletries
trash bags, sponge, toilet tissue (bags or wraps as you think you need them)
food: meals and snacks for your family, in large totes or coolers
water bottle or thermos (NOT bottled water!)
some toys and games for the kids (most houses have a supply of games, and we may be able to lend you one if you need it when you are here)
books for adults and kids to read
bug repellent and sunscreen
flashlight, especially if you are arriving after dark
camera, charger, and memory card
hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

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